Troop 308 Parent Information and Policy Guide Download as PDF
This information in the guide is provided so that you will be informed of Troop 308’s mission and its policies. We request that you and your Scout read this information and download it for future reference.
Purpose of the Boy Scouts of America
It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America to provide an effective program designed to instill within the youth desirable qualities of character, to train them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to help develop their personal fitness, providing this country with citizens who:
- Are physically, mentally and emotionally fit.
- Have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness.
- Have the desire and skills to help others.
- Understand the principles of the American social, economic and government systems.
- Are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand America’s role in the world.
- Have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.
- Are prepared to fulfill the varied responsibilities of participating in and giving leadership to American society and in other forums of the world.
Boy Scouts of America Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law.
The Scout Oath or Promise
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout is:
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful,Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Scout Motto
Be Prepared
Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily.
Outdoor Code
As an American, I will do my best to Be clean in my outdoor manners, Be careful with fire, Be considerate in the outdoors, and Be conservation-minded.
Aims and Methods of the Boy Scout Program
Aims:
Boy Scouts works toward three aims. One is growth in moral strength and character. We may define this as what the boy is himself, his personal qualities, his values and his outlook.
A second aim is participating in citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the boys’ relationship to others. He comes to learn of his obligations to other people, to the society in which he lives, to the government that presides over that society.
A third aim of Boy Scouting is development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and emotions (self control, courage and self-respect). The methods are designed to accomplish these aims.
Methods:
Advancement–Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement process. The Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge.
Adult Association-Boys learn from the examples set by their adult leaders. Troop leadership may be male or female and association with adults of high character is encouraged at this stage in a young man’s development.
Personal Growth–As scouts plan their activity and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The good turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do good turns for others.
Ideals–The Ideals of Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan. The Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what he becomes.
Patrols–The patrol method gives Scouts an experience in group living and participating in citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to act in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected leaders.
Outdoors–Boy Scouting is designed to take place in the outdoors. It is in the outdoors that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with each other. It is here where the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive.
Leadership-Development-Boy Scouting encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership roles of others and guides them toward the citizenship aim of Scouting.
Uniform–The uniform makes the scout troop visible as a force of good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouts is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout’s commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth that believe in the same ideals.
Troop Organization
Troop 308 is a boy-led troop. Leadership development is one of the methods of Scouting. Every boy will have an opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership. The meetings are planned and carried out by the patrol leader’s council. All duties for patrol activities are assigned by the patrol leader. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps the boy accept the leadership of others and helps him to grow into a more responsible adult.
Troop Service Projects and Scout Service Hours
Service to others is a vital part of the Boy Scout program. As Scouts advance to the higher ranks of Scouting, they will be required to complete minimum service hour requirements. Our sponsor provides several opportunities that allow the Scout to ‘Help other people…” through service to the church. Additionally, the annual Food For Families drive is a troop sponsored community service project. Scouts will also be asked to support fellow Scouts in their Eagle Projects. All Scouts should be encouraged to participate in service throughout their Scouting career, beyond the requied minimum hours.
Troop 308 has expectations of all people attending a scouting event, whether it is a meeting, camp out, or other activity. These expectations dictate the conduct of everyone, including scouts, registered adults, parents, and siblings.
Troop 308 has developed a Conduct Code that scouts and their families must commit to. This code is designed to keep Troop meetings and activities civil and Scout-like. The consequences of violating these rules are listed as part of the code. The Conduct Code may be changed upon recommendation of the Senior Patrol Leader, on behalf of the PLC; Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, or Committee Members. Changes will be voted on at the annual Parent’s meeting in the Fall.
Expectations:
- Good conduct is expected at all times.
- Regular attendance is expected at Tuesday night meetings, on week-end camping trips, and other activities.
- Scouts are expected to attend all functions that he signs up to participate in, whether a week-end camp-out activity, merit badge classes/courses at summer camp or Merit Badge Colleges, or specific troop activities at meetings.
- Scouts are required to wear the appropriate uniform.
- The Scout should bring his Boy Scout Handbook, pencil/pen, note pad to every meeting and all camp outs.
- Scouts must show respect for the flag ceremony.
- Scouts must show respect for the meeting facilities.
- Scouts are expected to participate in Troop 308 service projects.
- Scouts are expected to participate in Troop 308 fundraisers.
- As the Scout matures, he will be expected to participate in leadership roles.
Advancement is the process by which a youth member’s progress through the ranks of Scouting is obtained by the gradual mastery of scouting skills. Ranks are simply a means to an end, not an end in and of themselves. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until the day they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience.
Education and fun are functions of the Scouting movement, and they must be the basis of the advancement program. A fundamental principle of advancement in all of Scouting is the growth a young person achieves as a result of his participation in his program. In Scouting, recognition is gained through leadership in the unit, attending and participating in the activities, living the ideals of Scouting and developing a proficiency in outdoor life, useful skills and career exploration.
The Boy Scout requirements for rank are the basis for a Boy Scout’s advancement. There are four steps in the advancement procedure: learning, testing, reviewing and recognition. Boy Scouts has the following ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. The requirements for each rank are authorized by the national Executive Board and set forth in the Boy Scout Handbook and the current Boy Scout Requirements book.
BSA Troop 308 